Irvine vs Santa Ana
How do security deposit rules rules compare between Irvine, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Irvine and Santa Ana have similar restriction levels.
Irvine, CA
Orange County
California AB 12 caps security deposits at one month's rent for nearly all Orange County residential tenancies starting July 2024, regardless of furnished or unfurnished status. Small mom-and-pop landlords retain a limited two-month exception.
View full Irvine rules →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
California Civil Code 1950.5 (amended by AB 12) caps residential security deposits at one month's rent for most landlords starting July 2024 and requires itemized return within 21 days of move-out, applicable in Santa Ana.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Irvine | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Cap | One month's rent | - |
| Effective | July 2024 | - |
| Return deadline | 21 days | 21 days from move-out |
| Small-landlord exception | Up to two months | - |
| Standard cap | - | One month rent |
| Small landlord | - | Up to two months |
| Receipts threshold | - | Over $125 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Irvine FAQ
Does the cap apply to furnished rentals?
Yes. AB 12 eliminated the higher furnished-unit cap. All residential units fall under the one-month limit unless the small-landlord exception applies.
Can my landlord deduct for normal wear and tear?
No. Civil Code 1950.5 prohibits deductions for ordinary wear. Damage beyond reasonable use, unpaid rent, and cleaning beyond move-in condition are deductible with an itemized statement.
Santa Ana FAQ
Can a landlord still charge two months' deposit?
Only if the landlord owns no more than two residential properties with four or fewer total units and is not a real estate investment trust or LLC with corporate landlord status.
What if my deposit is returned late?
California Civil Code allows tenants to recover the full deposit and up to twice the amount as statutory damages when a landlord acts in bad faith by withholding without itemization within 21 days.
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